For teens exploring their identity and finding where they belong, this book offers a vibrant journey of self-discovery, first love, and fashion across time.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels like an outsider, is questioning who they are, or is looking for a hopeful story about finding their people. This novel follows Jude, a nonbinary teen who feels out of sync with the world until they discover a magical sewing machine that can travel through time. Using their passion for fashion, Jude connects with other creative misfits across the decades, finding friendship, first love, and a true sense of self. For teens 13 and up, it’s a beautifully creative story that celebrates individuality, queer identity, and the power of found family. It offers a gentle, inspiring journey for any young person learning to embrace what makes them unique.
The core topic is identity, specifically nonbinary gender identity, which is handled directly, positively, and with celebration. The book explores themes of loneliness and feeling like an outsider in a secular context. The resolution is deeply hopeful, centering on self-acceptance and the joy of finding community.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who is exploring their own identity (especially gender or sexuality) and feels like they don't quite fit in. They are likely creative, perhaps interested in fashion, art, or history, and enjoy character-driven speculative fiction over hard sci-fi.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. It's a wonderful conversation starter about identity and self-expression. Parents unfamiliar with nonbinary identities or they/them pronouns will find the book an accessible and gentle introduction. A parent hears their teen say, "No one understands me," or "I don't have any real friends." They may notice their child feeling isolated or see them using art and fashion to express themselves while struggling to connect with peers.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will be drawn to the magical time travel, the creative fashion elements, and the sweet first romance. An older teen (15-18) will connect more deeply with the nuanced exploration of gender identity, the concept of queer history, and the powerful theme of creating your own found family.
What Makes It Special
Its unique combination of time travel, fashion history, and queer identity exploration sets it apart. The sewing machine is not just a plot device; it is a perfect metaphor for stitching together parts of one's identity and connecting disparate timelines to create a cohesive, beautiful whole.
Read plot summary
Jude, a nonbinary teen obsessed with vintage fashion, feels deeply alone. Their life changes upon discovering a sewing machine that allows them to time travel. By creating costumes from different eras, Jude connects with other creative young people across history, forming a unique found family and falling in love for the first time. The story is a journey of self-discovery, using the fantastical element of time travel to explore the universal search for belonging.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jude uses costumes from different eras to explore and express their identity. If you could wear a costume from any time period to show the world who you are, what would it be and why?
2
The book talks about 'found family'. How is the group Jude connects with across time similar to or different from a traditional family? What makes a group of people feel like family?
3
The time-traveling sewing machine is a magical object. What do you think it represents? How does the act of creating something with your hands help Jude connect with themself and others?
4
Jude often feels 'out of time'. Have you ever felt like you were born in the wrong era? If you could visit another time period to find people like you, where and when would you go?
